Lewis Hamilton Walking a Tightrope as Threat of a 10-Place Grid Penalty Looms Large in Abu Dhabi

Lewis Hamilton may have enjoyed a dominant spell winning 3 races on the trot since the Brazilian Grand Prix. However, marching into Abu Dhabi for the title showdown, the 7-time world champion is indeed the one under pressure.

Of course, there is the fact that Max Verstappen is leading the championship with more wins in the bag and a DNF for both the title contenders at Yas Marina would leave the Dutchman claiming the throne. But, that’s the least of the problems that will be haunting Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton on the verge of receiving grid penalty

Hamilton has had rather tough practice sessions since Mexico, causing one too many mistakes on the track. During FP1 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the stewards reprimanded Hamilton for rejoining the track in an unsafe manner.

Two race weekends later, during FP1 in Saudi Arabia, Hamilton yet again faced a reprimand from the stewards for impeding Nikita Mazepin around what was one of the fastest blind corners of Jeddah Corniche. Now, with two reprimands already in hand, Hamilton is only a mistake away from enduring a grid penalty.

Formula One F1 – Qatar Grand Prix – Losail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after winning the race REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/Pool

The Briton has safely traveled through FP1 and FP2 without causing much trouble. But, he still has a couple of sessions, FP3, and qualifying, where he cannot afford to make any mistakes.

This is because one more error on the track and the stewards will have no other choice but to penalize the 7-time world champion with a 10-place grid penalty.

Max Verstappen calls out biased FIA ruling

Verstappen has been rather perplexed by the stewards’ decisions over the past few weeks. The Dutchman opined that most of the decisions have either ended up against him or in favor of Hamilton.

Formula One F1- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is seen as the session is temporarily stopped Pool via REUTERS/Andrej Isakovic

“I end up with penalties while other drivers do the same and don’t get a penalty. I’ve paid the FIA a nice fine. So, they’ve had dinners and good wine. But, it doesn’t seem to help,” he said.

Hence, amidst such serious allegations, will the FIA treat the title contenders on equal terms over the season finale in Abu Dhabi? Or, are we set to witness another controversial race after the Saudi Arabian GP? We’ll know in time.

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